Good afternoon,
A clipper system is expected to bring accumulating snowfall across western Massachusetts as well as central and western Connecticut from Friday night through Saturday morning. Eastern portions of southern New England will also see snow, though amounts are expected to be lower.
Current confidence
Forecast confidence is moderate. The primary challenge remains a narrow snowfall gradient, where subtle shifts in the system track will result in notable differences in snowfall totals.
What’s changed since this morning
A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for Hartford County (CT) and western Hampshire County (MA). Neighboring forecast offices have issued similar headlines. Please see the attached image for additional details.
Timing
Snow moves west to east Friday evening, generally between 8 PM and midnight.
Along the eastern Massachusetts coast, light snow may begin between midnight and 2 AM.
Snow tapers off early Saturday morning, ending as light snow showers between 6 AM and 9 AM.
Accumulations
Greatest confidence in impactful snowfall: Central and western Connecticut and western Massachusetts
Snowfall amounts: 2–4", with localized totals up to 5"
Lower snowfall amounts: Rhode Island and central/eastern Massachusetts
Snowfall amounts: a coating up to 2"
Post-event
Drier conditions are expected late Saturday into Sunday. Another system may bring a threat of freezing rain late Sunday evening into early Monday morning. An attached image highlights areas with the greatest potential for freezing rain, mainly across interior southern New England. While details remain limited, we wanted to raise awareness as the busy holiday weekend concludes. Additional information will be provided as confidence increases.
Our next briefing is expected by 6 AM Friday morning.
Thank you,
Meteorologists:
Candice Hrencecin
Matthew Belk
Emily McMinn
Torry Dooley